Viscoplastic behavior of carbopol gels: exploring the effects of concentration, pH and temperature

Many industrial and natural materials, particularly various polymers, display a complex interplay of elastic, plastic, and viscous behaviors, which are crucial for their functionality and performance. Precisely assessing the rheological behavior of polymers, along with the micromechanical and physicochemical interactions that affect these properties, poses significant challenges for researchers and engineers. In this study, we concentrate on the rheological properties of Carbopol 940, a polymer that is primarily classified as a viscoplastic fluid, known for its distinct yield stress behavior. Our investigations, conducted with the aid of an advanced rheometer, elucidate the substantial importance of yield stress properties in polymeric materials across a diverse range of application domains. These applications span from vital physiological processes, such as blood circulation, to practical implementations in concrete settings, highlighting the versatility of these polymers. Additionally, our findings are pertinent to various industries, including pharmaceuticals, where precise control over rheological properties is essential for formulation stability, and cosmetics, where the sensory attributes and performance characteristics of polymer-based formulations are critical. The analysis presented in this study not only demonstrates but also quantifies the significant impact of several critical physical parameters, including solution concentration, temperature, and pH, on the rheological behavior of the polymer. Furthermore, by extending and refining the experimental data, this research lays a solid foundation for future numerical studies of non-Newtonian fluid flows through complex configurations. Understanding the governing behavioral laws of these fluids is essential for accurate modeling, particularly in scenarios where regularized behavioral laws are required to address singularity issues.